Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1960 (SND Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1923
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HEFFER, v., n.
I. v. To laugh heartily, guffaw (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B., 1942 Zai; Bwk. 1942 Wettstein; m.Lth., Bwk. Slk., 1956). Vbl.n. hefferin', “uproarious or hearty laughter” (Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.). Hence hefferer, one who laughs loudly (Bwk. 1942 Wettstein; m.Lth., Bwk., Slk. 1956).
II. n. A loud laugh or guffaw (Bwk. 1942 Wettstein; m.Lth., Bwk. 1956).Rxb. 1923 Watson W.-B.:
He gae sie a heffer o' a laugh.
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"Heffer v., n.". Dictionary of the Scots Language. 2004. Scottish Language Dictionaries Ltd. Accessed 4 Apr 2026 <http://www.dsl.ac.uk/entry/snd/heffer>
